Alison Hurst

WORK HISTORY

SKILLS

ABOUT ALISON HURST

Alison Hurst is the Founder and Executive Director of Safe Place for Youth (SPY). SPY provides a caring connection and access to critical resources for young people, ages 12-25, experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. Last year over 1,500 individuals received support through SPY’s continuum of care that provides a holistic approach to addressing the unique needs of homeless transition-aged youth (TAY). SPY’s mission is to empower young people experiencing homelessness to thrive by providing lasting, community-driven solutions that address racial and social inequity. Originally from England, Alison moved to Los Angeles in 2001 and witnessed the homeless youth epidemic and decided to get involved with addressing the issue. Alison and a group of dedicated volunteers started by offering hot food, clothing, and socks to homeless youth in Venice Beach from their cars. Since those humble beginnings, SPY has been driven to empower young people by providing opportunities to transform by multiplying its services, building its programming, and strengthening partnerships. With incredible support from Board Members, donors, volunteers, and partner organizations, SPY has grown from a 100% volunteer-led organization to a professional staff of over 65 employees. Under Alison’s leadership SPY volunteers have been joined by a team of dedicated full-time staff and the organization is regarded as a vital lifeline for street-based youth on the Westside of Los Angeles and beyond.